Physicians Residency Program

More than 45 million Americans suffer from chronic, recurring headaches. Every year, doctors’ offices are flooded with visits triggered by headaches. June 2-8 has been declared National Headache Awareness Week in order to help people understand what makes their head ache, and how to get relief.

A migraine is a throbbing, one-sided pain that often causes nausea and keeps people from functioning in their work or personal life. About 30 million Americans suffer from this treatable neuro-biological disorder. Yet, it is estimated that more than half of all people who have migraine headaches have never been diagnosed and are failing to take advantage of the relief that is available today.

Migraines aren’t the only kind of headache to disrupt daily routines. Tension, sinus and a variety of other headaches can impact the overall quality of life. If you’re bothered by headaches, a headache log can help in identifying triggers that bring on headaches as well as pinpointing the location and type of pain. Even if prevention isn’t always possible, there are new products on the market that can bring relief from all kinds of headaches.

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If you suffer from headaches that interfere with your ability to work or enjoy your daily life, the National Headache Foundation offers a list of 10 steps to take:

Seek help. Be a self-advocate. Migraines are a disease and deserve the same care and attention as any health problem.

Educate yourself about migraines so you will know how to best work with your doctor to manage your disease.

Visit a doctor specifically about your headaches. This lets your doctor know the problem is serious and not just an afterthought. If your primary care physician doesn’t treat migraines, search for a physician who does.

Prepare for your physician visit. Keep a headache diary showing when your headaches occurred, how long they lasted, the severity of the pain and any possible triggers. Document the impact on your life in terms of missed work or skipped social activities.

Have reasonable expectations for treatment. While migraines cannot be cured at this time, there are effective treatment plans available.

Be honest with the doctor treating your headache about any medications (prescription and over the counter) you take and other medical conditions you experience.

Focus on solutions. Be positive.

Ask for detailed instructions on taking medications, and follow them. Get documentation about how often and how to take prescribed medications.

Partner with your physician. Share communication as you follow the treatment plan.

Follow-up regularly with your physician. Typically, physicians may want you to pursue a treatment plan for about three months and then schedule a return appointment to evaluate the treatment’s effectiveness.

Headaches are legitimate biological disorders, not psychological conditions. If headaches are serious and often enough to interfere with your life, it’s time to schedule a visit with your doctor.

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